Wedding Speech 04/18/2004

Okay, really really tired after this weekend... I'll give you some details of the wedding and the reception and such later... for now, entertain yourself by reading the marriage speech I wrote for the occasion.

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We are gathered here today to witness the marriage of [The Bride] and [Groom]. If you are not here to witness the marriage of [The Bride] and [Groom], then you are at the wrong party, but we forgive the mistake.
What is marriage? Marriage means a lot of different things to people, especially in these strange days. To some it�s a status symbol, to others it�s a tax benefit. Some view it as a holy union ordained by God, and others view it as a legal union given by the state. And yet, all of these definitions of marriage derive themselves from the consequence. Even without it being a status symbol, or a tax benefit, or a holy or legal union, it�s still a marriage. So what is marriage?

To me marriage is a symbol. A tangible, visible symbol to the world of love and commitment. If you are not getting married for this reason, then in my opinion you are getting married for the wrong reason.
Love. It�s such a powerful word. Mankind is one of the few species on earth that live monogamously with their partners. Not everyone does, of course, but that�s besides the point. The ability to love raises us up from the rest of the animals.
In 1st Corinthians 13:13, Paul writes, �But these three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.� Love, he says that love is greater than faith. I think that's true, for without love there could be no faith.

The idea of marriage, then, is laying naked that love for the world to see. Every time someone glances at your left hand, they know that you love someone, and that they love you, and that you are committed to each other completely. It is no small thing that some marriage ceremonies end with the phrase, �What these two have joined, let none break asunder.�
Marriage is also a promise. A promise to your spouse that you will love them for the rest of your life. And marriage is also an encouragement to fulfill that promise, even when things get strained or difficult.
It used to be, back in the day, that breaking a promise could get you killed. More than a few duels were fought because of someone breaking their word. We have lost some of our respect for promises, I think. It doesn�t mean as much these days.

[The Bride] and [Groom], they are making a promise to each other today. And we are all here to witness it. Kind of like being privy to a secret, isn�t it?
Marriage is not something that should be entered into lightly. Naturally, I hope what I�ve said today will harden their resolve, rather than shake it. So let�s get these promises out of the way, then.

[The Groom], do you promise, before everyone here, all your friends and family, that you will love this woman for the rest of your life?
[The Bride], do you promise, before all these people watching you right now, to love this man for the rest of your life?
Everyone else, do you promise, before this couple here, that you recognize their love, and will support them in it?

Well, that�s good. That means we can continue. Bring forth the rings!

Okay, [Groom], look into this woman's eyes, and repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed.
Okay, [Bride], look into the eyes of your man, and repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed.

Well, that pretty much takes care of everything I�m supposed to do. By the power vested in me by the internet, The Universal Life Church, and the state of Arizona, I pronounce you husband and wife. [Groom], you may kiss your bride.